Adopt-a-Family Program

For over 30 years, this program has anonymously matched donors and recipients for Thanksgiving dinner ingredients, holiday dinner ingredients, and/or gifts for children.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets typically include FROZEN turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh vegetables, paper goods and staples. Baked goods, such as cookies and breads, must be commercially produced and include a list of ingredients. Donations should be packed in openable boxes, bags or baskets whose weight must not exceed 30 pounds each, and be able to fit in the back seat of a car. Gift cards should be unwrapped or in unsealed envelopes.

Christmas/Holiday Food Baskets follow the same guidelines, with one exception. Because of the holiday schedule, we are asking for $15 gift cards for Market Basket or Stop & Shop instead of a frozen turkey.

Christmas/Holiday Gifts are for children 18 and under. Donors will receive detailed wish lists, including age, gender, sizes, brands, etc. Gifts must be new, unwrapped, and Santa-worthy. Estimated expense is $100 per child, but may vary depending upon the age and needs of the child. You may indicate the number of children you wish to buy for, and we will do all we can to honor your requests. We cannot reveal anything else about the children.

If you wish to include extras, some ideas are gift cards, holiday decorations, wrapping paper, cooking supplies and staples, snack foods, and family-oriented games, movies or books.

ALL Donor Applications must be received by October 31st, 2018. The program is fortunate to have many generous donors. We attempt to match every donor, but sometimes not all requests can be filled. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility if this occurs.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets must be delivered to the Reading DPW Garage (Newcrossing Road) on Tuesday, November 20th between 8-9:30 am. Notifications for Donors selected to provide Thanksgiving baskets will go out November 7th via US Mail.

Holiday Food and Gift Baskets must be delivered to the Reading DPW on Thursday, December 20th between 8-9:30 am. Notifications for Donors selected to provide Holiday Food or Gifts will go out November 14th via US Mail.

Please complete and return the application by October 31st. And contact us with any questions or ideas. ReadingAAF@gmail.com or 781-942-6680.

Instructions and forms required for participation are linked on the right hand side of this page.